Overspecialization – Found in Both the Workplace and the Wild

It’s good to be good at something. Whether it’s Sudoku, basket-weaving, ping pong or Star Wars trivia, almost everyone has a niche hobby or activity at which they excel. This is also true in the workplace. Some people are just better at certain job-related activities than others. Marketing, communication or organization- whatever it may be, it is almost universally acknowledged that different employees have different strengths. However, these strengths can turn into weaknesses when employees capitalize upon them too much.

Golden Cheeked Warbler, Courtesy of Fort Hood, on flickr.

Kitland's Warbler, Courtesy of Dominic Sherony, on flickr.

Specialization can turn into a problem when employees become overly focused on what they’re good at rather than on what the company needs.

To illustrate some of the potential dangers of overspecialization perhaps an analogy to the natural world might be of use. The Kirtland’s Warbler and the Golden-Cheeked Warbler are two species of North American bird now endangered. The Golden-Cheeked Warbler is naturally confined to a small area of Texas due to its dependence upon Juniper, Oak, and other plants in fairly specific proportions. The Kirtland Warbler can only breed in an intermediate stage of forest succession in forests dominate by a single species of pine. These overly specialized environmental requirements have made these species extremely vulnerable to extinction.

Overspecialization in the workplace can lead to an endangerment, or even eventual extinction, of productivity in much the same way. When employees focus too heavily upon only the areas in which they shine, others areas may be left underdeveloped and in the dark.

Although it’s admirable that someone may be able to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 14.8 seconds and may be better at making a certain sale’s pitch better than anyone else in the office, they still need to avoid overspecializing at the risk of negatively impacting other areas. Perhaps those prone to being overly specific should take a lesson from the birdies and learn to change the way they think about specialization.

Don’t let overspecialization lead to career endangerment or extinction. Learn how to overcome this career limiting habit using the Change Anything methodology by watching this free webinar.